dLocal has made a significant leadership shift by appointing Carlos Menendez as its new Chief Operating Officer (COO), effective immediately. This move signals the company’s commitment to strengthening its operations in high-growth markets, enhancing its position as a leading cross-border payment platform.
During an initial transition phase, Jacobo Singer, the current COO and Co-President, will collaborate with Menendez to ensure a seamless transfer of responsibilities. Singer is expected to transition out of his operational roles by December 15, 2024, but will remain an integral part of dLocal’s Board of Directors, providing valuable oversight and guidance.
In comments on Menendez’s appointment, Pedro Arnt, dLocal’s CEO, emphasized his excitement about bringing someone with Menendez’s vast experience into the executive team. “His proven track record in scaling businesses and developing strategic partnerships will be invaluable as we continue to expand our operations,” Arnt stated.
Carlos Menendez holds an impressive resume, with over 30 years of strategic leadership and operational management experience across various sectors. Notably, he has held pivotal roles at prestigious organizations including Mastercard, Citibank, and Procter & Gamble. His extensive background in managing global profit and loss accounts and leading strategic initiatives positions him well to guide dLocal’s future growth trajectory.
Menendez will report directly to CEO Pedro Arnt, and both leaders acknowledge the transformative potential of this new role. Menendez expressed his enthusiasm about joining the company, highlighting dLocal’s customer-first approach and its partnerships with significant technology companies and enterprises. “I am confident that my expertise in designing, building, and scaling organizations will further position dLocal to achieve great things going forward,” he said.
As dLocal continues to facilitate seamless payment solutions for international firms venturing into emerging markets, Menendez’s arrival could not be more timely. The company’s goal is to bridge global enterprise merchants with billions of consumers across diverse regions, including Africa, Asia, and Latin America. This mission aligns closely with Menendez’s extensive background in fostering international business strategies.
Jacobo Singer also expressed his confidence in Menendez’s abilities. “I am delighted about this new step for the company and looking forward to welcoming Carlos to the executive team,” he remarked. As he shifts his focus to his board responsibilities, Singer believes Menendez’s leadership will cultivate continued innovation at dLocal. The overarching goal remains firm: ensuring the success of customers and connecting global merchants with billions of consumers in emerging markets through a unified platform.
Eduardo Azar, Chairman of dLocal’s Board of Directors, commended Singer’s significant contributions during his tenure as COO and Co-President. Azar’s acknowledgement not only highlights the importance of leadership transitions in organizations but also underscores the continuity that can be achieved through such strategic appointments.
In terms of educational qualifications, Menendez brings robust credentials to the table: he earned a bachelor’s degree from Harvard University and an MBA from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. These qualifications, combined with his vast range of experience, give him the tools necessary to navigate the complexities of dLocal’s objectives moving forward.
As dLocal targets to bolster its operational efficiency in high-growth regions, Carlos Menendez’s appointment serves as a strategic move, promising a more engaged leadership approach. This decision reflects a broader trend in the financial technology sector, where adept leadership is key to navigating the challenging landscapes of cross-border payments and consumer connectivity.
In conclusion, the appointment of Carlos Menendez as dLocal’s COO is not only a pivotal moment for the company but also a signal of its ambition to enhance its service offerings and cater effectively to its diverse clientele. The leadership transition, marked by collaboration and vision, is set to propel the company into its next phase of growth.